I started this post back in 2008 when we bought our first Playstation 3. At the time they carried a hefty 600+ price tag and it was a huge purchase for us. It became quickly apparent that dollar wise the PS3 was great play value. For the fist year my kids and tom of other homneschooling kids as well as kids from neighbourhood were playing it constantly. The fist game that got every ones attention was Rock Band. You don’t see many playing it any more ( no clue why- it is a great game!) I loved Rock Band because it was a co-operative game where kids worked together towards success as a band. PLayStation has continued to impress me.
My son is HUGE gamer and my daughter not as much although she does enjoy PC games and Nintendo DS games (usually video games design for girls)

At the time I was very disappointed in the games available for younger kids. The violence levels were of the chart and the games more suited to university age boys.
There have been some notable exceptions, which is why I have compiled the lists below for best PlayStation 3 Games for Girls as well as Best PlayStation Games for boys. I am looking at the age range of about 8-13 year olds +, give or take. These suggestion are my opinion only and not meant to replace your judgment.

Best PlayStation 3 Games for Girls and Boys

(see below for lists of best PS3 Games for Girls and Best PS3 games for boys)

Rayman Origins makes it on both “best PS3 games for girls” and “best PS3 games for boys” list. Its silly fun and has longevity. A really good game for families to play together. I have always found that PS3 platform tends to ignore market of families and younger kids so this is a nice surprise.

Rocksmith Guitar Bundle comes with electric gutiar or if you have your own you can just grab the game Rocksmith. This kicks it up a big notch from Rock Band and Name Your Link.. You play with real guitar and develop real guitar playing skill all while playing video game. This is a ton of fun. One downside is that it is a more solitary game- as opposed to Rockband where you play together cooperatively. That aside this a great game for budding guitar players and in my opinion one of the best PS3 games to come out this year.

Buzz! Quiz TV Bundle is similar to game show and you each have your own “buzzer” to buzz in the answer. This is a game we pick up to play as a family often. Also good for sleepovers and slumber parties.

LittleBigPlanet 2 in my mind is one of the best PS3 games ever made. It is a community based game. Better for older kids and good for both boys and girls. Certainly one of the best PS3 games for kids out there right now. No first person shooter action, no blood and no guns. Lots of creatively and fun tho; not only can you create and design your own racing games, mini-games, and action/adventure games you can share them online. If you don’t have this in your gaming cupboard- give it a try.

Best PlayStation 3 Games for Boys

A bit of a throwback, Mega Man 9 is a collection of puzzle games.The games are well thought out and beyond challenging. No high tech graphics here but great play value.Rayman Origins is silly fun for both girls and boys.

Civilization Revolution:Sid Meier (PS3) I was shocked at how much my daughter loves this. I originally rented this so I could try and after a week of me not opening the case she picked it up and was glued to screen. The game is fantastic- graphics are excellent. This week we bough it. The concept is to take you stone age group of people and bring them along through Civilization, having them learn or trade skills like irrigation and literacy.
The game is based on the popular board game and one best ps3 games for kids. Surprisingly this is a PS3 game that tends to appeal more to girls but both will enjoy.

A solid bet is Lego Batman if you are buying a Playstation 3 game for boys. It is surprising well made and game play is excellent.

A very good superheroes game for PS3 is Marvel Ultimate Alliance (PS3) This is a 1 or more player game and has great graphics and good gameplay. How can you go wrong with Spider-man and friends? This game is also good for younger kids.

A great choice if you are buying a PS3 game for boy is Lego Star Wars: Complete Saga Familiar characters, not too violent and challenging enough for most ages. Also can play up to 4 players and is a co-operative game.

If you can find Jurassic Park: The Game for PS3 you will have a happy kids. The game is based on the popular movie and their are five levels i.e. different parts of the park. Good fun! One of the best PS3 games released this fall and wide appeal for boys

I recommend these games based on my own point of view and values as an unschooling parent.
I find none of these offensive and my 5 year old plays all of the above.

I am going to remove Ratchet and Clank because you are right , too much blowing up and some one walking in blind may not realize it.

If Simpsons are banned in your home you probably won’t but the game. I also come from the angle that parents that are buying these games are spending time with their kids. Rock Band has questionable lyrics. Fortunately I can point these out to my kids or avoid them all together.

I Just Bought The PS3 80 Gb I Have No Ps3 Games Yet But nI Already Hand A PS2 System With 30 Some Games . I Am Trying To Figure Out What Games To Buy. I Like Stradgey Games Like Tetris, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, I Also Hav A Super Nintendo With Super Mario Brothers And Those Are Some Of My Favorites. Wish They Were On Ps3 Instead Of Wii. The New Ones Im Thinking About Are PS2 Ty The Tasmanian Tiger And There Are 3 Of Those. And A Tetris Worlds PS2 The Only Ps 3 Game I Have So Far Is A New Spyro Called Dawn Of The Dragon.